Ashford leaving blueprint for success

Quarterback leading young Bearcats by example

<p class="p1">Heading into his third and final season as Basile High’s starting quarterback, senior Dawson Ashford is hoping to leave a lasting impression on the program, which has reached the quarterfinal round of the playoffs five of the past six years, including last season.</p><p class="p5">Ashford said the biggest change over his career has been becoming a team leader.</p><p class="p5">“I improved as a leader on and off the field,” he said. “(Leadership) is a big reason for our team being successful. Without leadership there’s no success. I want the younger players to follow in our footsteps by showing them dedication, hard work, good grades, and respect for the coaches and veterans on the team. This is a big reason why Basile has been successful in the past — the older players lead by example.”</p><p class="p5">Ashford also improved on the field last year, throwing for 1,147 yards and accounting for 16 total touchdowns passing and running. His play added balance to an offense that ran for more than 2,000 yards.</p><p class="p5">Ashford said he has worked on his game each of the past three summers by attending the Manning Passing Academy camp in Thibodaux.</p><p class="p5">“I’ve learned how to make my footwork — the three- and five-step drops — better,” he said. “I worked on the deep ball and slants. The Manning camp teaches you a lot. It’s worth going to if you want to make it to the next level or make your game better. I’ve worked with North Carolina State’s Ryan Finley and other big-name players like Jalen Hurts (of Alabama) and Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham.”</p><p class="p5">Back home in Basile, many of the Bearcats gathered for informal, player-led workouts throughout the summer. Ashford said the team benefits from a strong senior class, which features all-district players in receiver Jaylen Thomas, fullback/linebacker Andre Reed and offensive/defensive lineman Gage Johnson.</p><p class="p5">“Jaylen is an extremely talented player,” Ashford said. “He’s very underrated. Not only does he run amazing routes, but he also runs a 4.4 40 and is amazing after the catch. If we need a big gain, I’m definitely throwing it up to him. He can play outside or in the slot. He’s also a great leader and one of the smartest players on the team.</p><p class="p5">“Andre is an outstanding run stopper for us; he fills holes quickly and rarely misses a tackle. He is a vocal leader for our defense. On offense he is a really hard runner and he gives the team momentum if he breaks a long run.</p><p class="p5">“Gage is a veteran on the team. He’s been starting since his freshman year. He has a lot of experience on the line which helps out the younger linemen. He knows what techniques to use as a smaller linemen so he teaches all the smaller linemen what technique they should use in a game.</p><p class="p5">“Our running backs know that they want to run behind him when he is pulling or when they are running to his side. He also helps us on defense and he’s one of the smartest players on the team.”</p><p class="p5">Ashford is hoping to reach big goals this year.</p><p class="p5">“My goals are to lead this team past the quarterfinals and reach 2,000 passing yards,” he said.</p><p class="p5">The Bearcats face a daunting schedule that includes a pair of nondistrict games against area rivals and a Week 5 game against defending District 4-1A champion St. Edmund.</p><p class="p5">Ashford said he’s looking forward to the series of big games.</p><p class="p5">“Iota, Sacred Heart-Ville Platte, St. Edmund and Elton, those are our top rivals,” he said. “The energy in these games is unlike any other. Against each of those teams, we know they won’t just allow us to win, we’ll have to work for it.”</p><p class="p5">Ashford is relishing his last chance to play in a football-loving town.</p><p class="p5">“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “This town is crazy about football. When the season comes around the whole town comes support us. I can’t wait to have that feeling again this season.”</p>””<p>Dawson Ashford, Basile Quarterback</p>RickHickmanPhotographer
https://www.americanpress.com/content/tncms/avatars/6/d3/ea1/6d3ea1c8-3a6c-11e7-a1c2-0f91a5883b36.b31acdd1ef972ec0a2acb8ea5b28d153.png

SportsPlus

Local News

Unrestrained man killed in I-10 crash

McNeese Sports

Reyna, Chance lead Cowgirl comeback

Local News

Louisiana to end mass vaccine promotion, state’s top health official says

Local News

REAL ID enforcement date now just three months away

life

Several SW La. students honored at Northwestern State

Crime

Eight DeRidder High students arrested

Local News

Wicked weather this way comes on Saturday

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: Garcia best Southland has to offer

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look for finishing kick

Crime

2/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

 BREAKING: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed as Trump’s secretary after close Senate vote

Local News

At Oak Park Elementary, no one eats alone

Local News

Candidate Fondel airs his views at forum

life

Gettin’ jiggy wit it — Irish dance style

Local News

Family fabric: Quilting exhibition offers insight to generations of storytelling, culture and artistry

life

McNeese president’s honor list announced for fall 2024 semester

life

Walls can talk: Artist says art is essence of humanity

McNeese Sports

Selling a winning pitch

Local News

House committee address citizen concerns over carbon sequestration in Louisiana

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Don’t worry. Trump is fixer

Local News

Mayor talks progress, what’s ahead for the city

Local News

EMS Academy, Acadian Ambulance will be offering EMT classes in LC

Local News

City Council candidates for District C state their views

Local News

Capstone at the Oaks senior living complex nearing completion